No need to apologize for being new to barbecuing - we all have to start somewhere! It's great that you're interested in learning and trying out new things, and I'm happy to offer some guidance on the wood aspect of smoking. In terms of how much wood you'll need to cook a brisket for 12 hours on an Oklahoma Joe Highland smoker, it really depends on a few factors, such as the size of the brisket, the ambient temperature and humidity, and how hot you want to smoke it. Generally speaking, you'll want to use a mix of wood and charcoal to maintain a consistent temperature and achieve a nice smoke flavor. As a rough estimate, you can plan on using about 4-6 logs of wood for a 12-hour brisket cook on a smoker of this size. You'll want to start with a small amount of wood at the beginning, and gradually add more as needed to maintain the right temperature and smoke level. As for where to buy wood, you can often find wood chips, chunks, or logs at your local home improvement or garden store, as well as online retailers such as
Amazon or BBQGuys. Look for wood types that are recommended for smoking, such as hickory, oak, mesquite, or fruit woods like apple or cherry. Avoid using softwoods like pine, which can produce toxic fumes when burned. Before using any wood, make sure it's properly seasoned and dried, which helps to remove excess moisture and prevent the wood from producing too much smoke or causing flare-ups. You can also soak wood chips or chunks in water for a few hours before using them to help prolong the smoking process and prevent them from burning too quickly. Overall, the key to smoking with wood is to start small, experiment with different wood types and amounts, and be patient with the process. With a little practice and some trial and error, you'll soon be able to achieve delicious, smoky flavors on your Oklahoma Joe Highland smoker. Good luck, and happy smoking!